In the race to replace former Precinct 1 Constable Jack Abercia, who resigned after being charged in a federal bribery case, a pair of experienced lawmen have differing strategies for restoring public confidence in the office.

Abercia resigned in January after he was charged with bribery, accused of using law enforcement databases to run background checks for cash. He has pleaded not guilty. Two supervisors in the office also were charged in connection with the corruption case.

The job carries an annual salary of $119,000 to lead an office with a $23 million budget and 235 employees. Constable deputies serve various legal papers from county and district courts, as well as patrol neighborhoods and sections of Harris County's toll road system. Precinct 1, covering an area with nearly 700,000 residents, also operates the largest unit in the state to serve mental health commitment warrants.

Too many behind desks

Danna, 59, and a Precinct 1 deputy for 18 years, pledged to reorganize an office top-heavy with administrators and move them from offices to patrol duty. He started the constable's first motorcycle escort service and manages escort services for other law enforcement agencies.

Danna wants to establish an undercover unit to combat street crime, as well as a group to investigate credit card fraud and identity theft.

"I've been in the streets protecting and serving the citizens and business owners, assisting them with what the constable's office does best, enforce the law," Danna said.

Formerly with Pct. 1

His opponent, Rosen, is a private investor who has spent 21 years in law enforcement. He currently serves as a volunteer reserve major in the Harris County Sheriff's Office, and runs the criminal warrants and fugitive warrants unit. He began his law enforcement career in Precinct 1, where he was a patrol deputy, and notes he is the only candidate with a college degree, experience as a patrol deputy, and experience supervising other law officers.

"One of the biggest things the office needs is an ethical cleansing," Rosen said. "If elected constable, I intend to put forward a very comprehensive ethics policy to include everybody in the office, to include myself."

Rosen said he left the constable's office, in part, because he and other deputies had to contribute money to the constable to receive favorable job assignments. He said he has not solicited campaign funds from any constable employees.

Rosen did not dispute that his campaign materials did not state his volunteer status with the Sheriff's Office, noting that the office makes no distinction in the duties a reserve law officer and a full-time employee can perform.

"If that's what I need to put in there, I'm happy to do it," Rosen said.

Training, supervision

Danna, however, does see a difference.

"We don't need a volunteer running the constable's office," he said. "We need a full-time, professional peace officer, and that's what I've been for 18 years.''

Members of the Precinct 1 mental health unit, which has been sued for instances of excessive force by deputies, should receive advanced training and staffing should be increased, Rosen said.

"My feeling that training and the best supervision you can possible have over mental warrants is the absolute key," he added.

Danna said he and other department employees were shocked at the allegations of corruption in the office, and insisted he had no knowledge of that and other questionable practices.

"We don't need to restore integrity; we have almost 300 employees that have integrity," Danna said, explaining the office reputation was sullied by the actions of a few. "I want to restore trust to the public."